I think I posted this question before but I’d like to ask it one more time to get a last minute update before I take the final plunge. What do most folks on this site think about induction cooktops? GE Monogram makes one now but Thermadore makes a hybrid that’s a combination of convection and induction (2 burners of each).
Also, in a different issue, I’ve notices that refrigerators in most displays of upper-end kitchens don’t have water/ice dispensers. Why is that? Again, thanks in advance to anyone who has the time to write in.
Replies
Don't know about "upper-end" kitchens, but we didn't get ice/water with our "new" fridge because it takes up too much space and is the most failure-prone part of the unit.
Unfortunately, it's hard to find (non-"upper-end") fridges without ice/water anymore -- fairly limited selection.
I would guess that for showplace kitchens one consideration is that the dispensers are ugly.
I can't comment on the cooktop, cause I admit how biased I am when it comes to cooktops------ gas, Gas, GAS!
The fridge comes down to style & preference.
A lot of new fridges have a water dispenser on the inside that doesn't take up much space.
I have a french door fridge, I absolutely didn't want any dispensers on the fridge---- I have two boys, & hickory flooring--- I just circumvented any future problems of the inevitable.
Go with the hybrid if you have any good non-ferromagnetic cookware you want to keep using.
Just installed a GE induction cooktop for DIL so the kids could cook more without anywhere near the fear of burns or fire. She cannot use all her price belguiqe stuff anymore.
One warning - if you cannot repair electronic equipment yourself, may be best to avoid induction. I've had a Kenmore induction for 15 years, but had to repair it myself when touch pad failed even though it was still in warranty. The 36" $2000 retail GE induction I installed for DIL I got at less than 6 months old for $100 thru craigslist as the lady who sold it could not find anybody that could fix it for less than $800, so she just bought a new one. Replaced/bypassed a broken trace on the touch pad.
On my Kenmore, re-engineered the touch pad with all hard wired microswitches, has not failed in 13 years now.
The world need more guys like you.
I don't know anything about the cooktops, but in kitchens we've been installing separate ice machines and filtered hot/cold water at the tap. Too many problems with leaky water lines to fridges, I guess. Plus the more gadgets the better ;-)
We have a Kenmore Elite induction cooktop in our new kitchen. We piped in gas just in case we didn't like it. After using it for about two weeks we our sold. We do a lot of cooking; sauces, sauteing,candy, etc. Boils water incredibly fast, has instant response when changing settings (of course you still have to wait for the pan to heat or cool), simmers as good as gas as well as fine control of temperature, and easy to clean the top. The only heat on the top comes from the pans transfering it back to the cooktop.Cons are the selection of pots is limited and I have heard of reliability issues, although time will tell on reliability.
Edited 10/5/2007 3:50 pm ET by 1000eyes
Went induction and never looked back. We have a gray market DeDietrich at the house that is awesome...incredible power AND incredible control. For example, in the morning I put a sauce pan on and turn to Boost setting, go to the fridge to get milk, come back and pour in the pan and get the sizzle sound. Put oatmeal in the pan, stir, turn on the timer, 10 minutes later, it turns off and sounds a beep beep, viola, old fashioned oatmeal. After big meals, clean up is windex and a couple of paper towels. Try that with gas. We stay at an apartment on the weekends that has a gas stove...very frustrating..I get the stark comparison every weekend.
Thanks for the educated reply with a voice of experience. I liked your comparison. But I Googled DeDietrich and it doesn't seem like they sell in the U.S. I'll try again tomorrow after I get a good nights sleep. Again, thanks.
Ahhh...the beauty of the Internet. Go ye to http://www.salonblueridge.com/products.html an outfit in NC. I think they are the only one that carries DeDietrich stateside. When I got mine, I had to self-import it from New Zealand. Better that you can get it here now. There are other domestic models, and selection is getting better. But I find the DeDietrich had the best power/function/cost ratio.
Just an after thought. One thing a salesman in Atlanta pointed out to me is that if you throw a party and some of the guests show up with dishes in cookware that isn't induction suitable then that's when it's good thing if you've got a hybrid. Just thought I'd pass that on.
So you stick the dish in the car and drive it around with the heater on full blast?
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader